Rochester Democrat and Chronicle

‘Peterman’s time with the team appeared up after the arrival of Matt Barkley and the former University of Southern California quarterback’s performance during a lopsided win over the New York Jets.’

‘The Bills are yielding an average of 302.2 yards per game, with Baltimore (305.0) and Jacksonville (319.1) next.’

‘”Then to see all the things that were happening to him, and then see all the things that were happening to all the little boys and girls that we came into contact with over the years, seeing what it was doing to not only them, but to their families and not have a place to turn, not have people to talk to — when I hear doctors talk, when I hear my mother-in-law talk and I hear my wife —it all hits home.”‘

‘With a league-low 96 points through nine games, the Bills had set the pace for offensive struggles in the NFL this season. But they broke out in a big way behind the unlikeliest of heroes.’

‘“It was fun,’’ said Barkley, whose last start was Jan. 1, 2017 for the Bears, a three-turnover day and a 38-10 loss to the Vikings. “I knew that I could play in this league. To get back out there after two years, I don’t want to be a cliché by saying it’s like riding a bike, but I’ve done this for years. I believe I was made to play football and tonight was just an example of going out there and doing what I was made to do.’’’

‘With a season-high five touchdowns, the Bills nearly matched their season total of eight. They entered a game with an NFL-low 96 points. That Buffalo could explode against a Jets’ defense ranked No. 14 in yards and No. 16 in points lends credibility to their effort. What’s impressive too is how McDermott has kept the team from imploding and how some of GM Brandon Beane’s recent roster moves paid off. “You learn a lot about yourself and other people when you’re going through moments of adversity,’’ McDermott said. “These guys understand they are part of something bigger and you make adversity your ally. It is something we can build on when we take a look at the film. I’m anxious to watch all the team, and in particular, these young guys and how well they played down in and down out.’’’

‘Jets 21, Bills 10.’

‘This is the 115th time the teams have met, with Buffalo holding a 61-54 lead. Last season, Buffalo defeated New York, 21-12, at home on opening day in head coach Sean McDermott’s coaching debut, before losing to the Jets, 34-21, on the road in a Thursday night game. Buffalo has lost three of its last four games against New York.’

‘Coupled with an abundance of draft picks and most likely a Top 5 overall pick, Beane will have positioned himself to improve Buffalo’s roster with a vengeance. A significant turnaround in 2019 — Year 3 of the McBeane Era — is the expectation, providing, of course, Allen lives up to his potential as a No. 7 pick.’

‘On the year, he has 267 yards on 85 carries and no touchdowns. A 3.1-yards-per-carry average that lags so far behind his 4.6 career mark, we’re starting to think McCoy is playing wearing cement shoes.’

‘“Things were just starting to slow down for me, so I’m anxious to get back out there and see if that continues. With the help of (those around me), I think it will,” Allen said.’

‘There’s a chance Allen could play Sunday, depending how his week progresses. A matchup of the No. 3 and No. 7 picks in the draft would elevate the game’s appeal from nowhere near Broadway to just off Broadway, certainly better than Josh McCown vs. Derek Anderson.’

‘But maybe you don’t need to talk about the Bills when you talk about the Bills.’

‘How maddening is this, especially for the Buffalo defense, which continues to fight as hard as it can to keep the Bills in games? The Bills held Chicago to 11 first downs and 190 yards of total offense yet lost by 32 points. If that sounds historic, it is.’

‘But while it could happen as soon as this Sunday’s game at the New York Jets, the coaching staff could play it safe with their prized first-round pick and wait until the Nov. 25 home game against Jacksonville. That would give Allen three weeks more of rehabilitation and three more weeks for the Bills to maybe plug the holes in their leaky offensive line that has only gotten worse since Allen’s elbow injury on Oct. 14 against Houston.’